History of Grief: Sky Burials & Victorian Death Photos
Jul 26, 2024
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Author Brandy Schillace discusses the Victorians' fascination with death, including dressing up deceased family members for photoshoots. The episode explores cultural attitudes towards death, the origins of embalming, and the societal separation from death.
Victorians used death photos for mourning rituals, while evolving death practices highlight cultural diversity.
Societal openness towards grief discussions fluctuates amidst historical events like wars and pandemic, emphasizing adaptability.
Deep dives
Traditional Burial Practices vs. Alternative Methods
The podcast delves into traditional burial practices and explores alternative methods such as sky burials and ecological burials. It discusses how different cultures approach death and mourning, highlighting practices like feeding bodies to birds in Tibet and the use of mushrooms for decomposition. The conversation reflects on the importance of rituals in processing grief and how individuals can choose unique funeral options.
Historical Context and Impact of Wars on Grieving Practices
The episode examines the impact of historical events like the World Wars on grieving practices. It discusses how wars, such as the World Wars, affected grieving processes due to the absence of bodies for burial. The conversation extends to the Khmer Rouge period in Cambodia, showcasing how rituals can evolve to provide closure in mass grief situations.
Embalming, Green Burials, and Personal Preferences
The podcast delves into the embalming process, shedding light on its origins and purposes. It also touches on the growing trend of green burials as more eco-friendly options. The episode explores personal funeral preferences and the significance of selecting burial methods that align with individual beliefs and values.
Evolution of Discussions on Death and Grief
The podcast reflects on the societal shift in discussing death and grief, particularly amidst events like the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores the fluctuating openness in discussing these topics and emphasizes the importance of remaining flexible in perspectives. The conversation underscores the need for evolving rituals and conversations around death to adapt to changing societal norms.
This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.
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